 has initiated reconciliation efforts to address internal rifts, with its Special Reconciliation Committee){kind=link}
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has initiated reconciliation efforts to address internal rifts, with its Special Reconciliation Committee, headed by former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, visiting Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Friday.
The meeting, held behind closed doors at the Enugu Government House, focused on halting ongoing defections within the party, especially in the South-East, where Mbah holds sway as the regional PDP leader.
Among the high-ranking party figures present were former Bayelsa State Governor Senator Seriake Dickson and ex-Gombe State Governor Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo.
Tensions within the South-East PDP recently peaked following the regional executive council’s push to reappoint Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary.
In a communique issued two weeks earlier, leaders warned of a possible mass exit if the party disregards their choice.
“In the event that our position is not promptly implemented by the party, the South-East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward,” the statement cautioned.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Saraki emphasized the South-East’s longstanding support for the PDP.
“This is the first state we are coming to because we appreciate the importance of the South-East in the PDP family. As you all know, the South-East has played a key role as the bedrock of the popularity and the strength of our party.”
He lauded Governor Mbah’s leadership and praised his administration’s performance as a positive example of PDP governance.
“In recognition of that, we are here to consult with him and commend him on the leadership role he has been playing in the party.
“More importantly also, to commend what he is doing in Enugu State, which is a reflection for Nigerians to see what happens when you have a PDP government,” he added.
Saraki also expressed optimism about the party’s upcoming national meetings.
“We will have one that is rancor-free and smooth, peaceful, and lays the foundation for the PDP that we all are wishing for.”
He concluded, “We have had a very good discussion. Frankly, we have had a very useful discussion.
“We are going away with some of the suggestions that we have here and hopefully work on that.
“With this, we can say here in Enugu that we laid the foundation for a greater new PDP that is coming.”